MBA celebrates 142 years of marine discovery

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) proudly marks its 142nd birthday, celebrating more than a century of world‑leading marine research, pioneering discoveries, and a growing international community dedicated to understanding and protecting our ocean.

Shaping the future of sustainable scallop potting

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) recently hosted a collaborative Scallop Potting Workshop, bringing together fishermen, regulators, researchers, industry representatives, businesses, and environmental NGOs for a full day of focused discussion on the future of this promising low‑impact fishery.

Essex University students explore marine life hands-on at the MBA

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) recently welcomed a group of students from the University of Essex to Plymouth for a day of immersive fieldwork, lab exploration, and rocky shore discovery in an experience that they variously described as “inspiring”, “eye‑opening”, and “transformative” for their ambitions to pursue a career in marine science.

Pioneering single-cell microelectrode study reveals how diatoms rapidly adapt carbon uptake

Scientists at the Marine Biological Association have used a pioneering technological approach in individual diatom cells to uncover how these microscopic ocean organisms rapidly adjust their carbon uptake strategies to cope with changing conditions in the ocean.

Studentship beneficiary reflects on a transformative summer of hands-on marine research at the MBA

Exeter University student and MBA Student Member, Jasmin Orak, joined the Marine Biological Association (MBA) this summer as a Spooner-Parke Summer Studentship awardee, spending 6 weeks immersed in hands-on marine microbiology research.

MBA Archive on the move

Until recently, the MBA Archive collections have been housed in two store rooms within the library, but a project to relocate the collections to one main store within the Citadel Hill laboratory is now coming to its conclusion.

A year of global impact and growth: MBA Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson, reflects on 2025 

December always brings with it one of the highlights of our calendar, the Annual General Meeting, and with it an invaluable moment to reflect on our science, our community and our impact. Despite what has been an undeniably challenging period for the wider world, the ocean and the academic sector, the MBA has continued to … Read more

University of Plymouth Graduate recognised for outstanding academic achievement with MBA Prize

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is pleased to congratulate the winner of 2025’s prestigious MBA prize. Tilly Powell, who recently graduated with a BSc (Hons) Marine Biology, First Class from the University of Plymouth, received the prize for ‘Outstanding Performance on a Marine Biology Programme’ for her exceptional academic performance.

Pioneering study uses eDNA to reveal intertidal biodiversity across UK shores

A groundbreaking study, part-funded by the Marine Biological Association (MBA), has demonstrated the power of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to assess biodiversity in rocky intertidal zones across the UK. This is one of the first multi-scale applications of eDNA in these dynamic coastal environments, spanning a wide latitudinal gradient and offering new insights into how … Read more

MBA’s Chief Executive represents UK marine science at UK–Taiwan bilateral meeting

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to announce that Chief Executive Professor Willie Wilson will represent UK marine science at the UK–Taiwan Bilateral International Meeting (BIM), taking place in London from 15 to 17 October 2025. Organised by The Royal Society and Academia Sinica, the event brings together leading scientists to explore the theme … Read more